Centralized Server for Measuring Machine Data Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the series production of identical parts, such as gearwheels, existing systems lack an efficient method to correlate and compare the performance and measurement results across multiple measuring machines, leading to potential inconsistencies and non-conforming workpieces being supplied to customers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an intra-machine communication system that allows measuring machines of the same type to exchange information directly or through a central comparison module, enabling the correlation of measurement results and identification of differences, with optional analytical and recording software for error trend analysis and quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple measuring machines operate independently without communication, then each machine can function autonomously, but measurement inconsistencies and quality control issues arise across the production line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary component that receives measurement data from multiple measuring machines, performs centralized correlation and analysis, and generates quality assessments. This mediator enables consistent quality control across all machines without requiring direct complex interconnections between each measuring machine, thus improving measurement consistency while managing system complexity through a centralized architecture.
2Manufacturing precision
If a centralized comparison module is used to correlate measurement data from all measuring machines, then measurement differences can be automatically detected, but system complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical comparison methods with automated electronic data processing. The server uses software-based correlation algorithms to automatically compare measurement data from multiple machines, identifying deviations and quality issues without manual intervention. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with electronic automation improves quality control accuracy while managing complexity through standardized digital workflows.
3Productivity
If measuring machines exchange information directly among each other, then real-time quality monitoring is achieved, but communication infrastructure and synchronization requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data collection, correlation, and analysis functions into a single centralized server rather than distributing these functions across multiple measuring machines. This merging approach consolidates the communication infrastructure into a single hub-and-spoke model, where all machines communicate with the central server, simplifying the overall communication architecture compared to a mesh network where each machine would need to communicate with every other machine.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a plurality of measuring machines (20.1, 20.2), wherein measuring machines (20.1, 20.2) of the same type are concerned which are designed for the measurement of same parts (4), having the following steps: —measuring a first quantity of same parts (4) in a first measuring machine (20.1); —measuring a second quantity of same parts in a second measuring machine (20.2); —performing a comparison process, wherein within the scope of said comparison process at least one value (W1) of the first quantity is correlated with at least one respective value (W2) of the second quantity in order to determine therefrom; and deviations between measurements of the first measuring machine (20.1) and measurements of the second measuring machine (20.2).